Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) - The National Validation Webinar was organized on the FAO Technical Cooperation Programme “National review and strategy for aquaculture sector and fish value chain”. FAO experts, representatives from the State Committee on Veterinary and Livestock Development and the Association of “Uzbaliksanoat” of Uzbekistan took part in the webinar, where Uzbekistan Aquaculture Sector Situational Analysis was presented.

The FAO Technical Cooperation Programme “National review and strategy for aquaculture sector and fish value chain” is being implemented in Uzbekistan in 2019-2021. The aim of this project is to analyze the aquaculture sector along the whole fish value chain from producer to consumer, to identify challenges and opportunities for sustainable and efficient fish production, marketing, processing, and trade. 

Within the framework of the project the National Aquaculture Strategy will be developed with guidance from FAO experts and based on best international practices. The expecting outcome of the project is raised efficiency and productivity of the aquaculture sector and fish value chain, which will contribute to improving livelihoods of smallholder fish farmers and will provide better access to healthy food for consumers in Uzbekistan.

“Uzbekistan is one of two doubly landlocked countries. However, like many of the countries in Central Asia, Uzbekistan has abundant inland water resources, namely rivers and lakes, which are suitable for freshwater aquaculture. Increasing fish production will provide additional income and reduce poverty in rural areas. Diversification of agricultural activities will strengthen food security and provide the population with better nutrition”, - Mr. Sherzod Umarov, Officer in Charge of the FAO Representation in Uzbekistan stressed.

The national review and value chain analysis was carried out by FAO experts with assistance from national counterparts. At the webinar Mr. Simon Diffey, FAO International Consultant for Aquaculture Strategic Planning presented Uzbekistan Aquaculture Sector Situational Analysis. The Presentation included analysis of key limitations as well as key findings and conclusions. It was noted that the Association of “Uzbaliksanoat” is the umbrella organisation in Uzbekistan representing a wide range of user groups across the capture fisheries and fish farming sectors. 

“Fish consumption in Uzbekistan currently amounts to 3-3.5 kg per person per year, which is lower than the recommended level of 10-11 kg per caput. Financial intervention by the government has had a positive effect on the sector and as a result processing capacity has steadily increased in recent years. However, despite the major advances, there are many areas to further improve fish production and to reduce inefficiencies along the whole fish value chain”, - said Mr. Simon Diffey.

Experts recommended priority actions, including development and implementation of a guaranteed water supply system for the aquaculture industry through improvements to the legislation on water allocation, improvements to the production and management of high-quality fish feed for the production of farmed fish for both the domestic and export market, implementation of a national fish marketing campaign to promote fish consumption and other suggestions.